On March 24th, 104 VIA leaders, employers, and Electeds came together for a press conference to announce their shared agenda for sustainable childcare. Key to the action was getting Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed (Democrat) and state Rep. Tony Wilt (Republican) to publicly commit to working together and with VIA and to use the Valley Early Education Reimagined model as the blueprint.

A public-private partnership, VIA’s VEER launches state-licensed early education centers at one-third the typical cost, providing sustainable funding, living wages & career advancement for educators, and a model for expanding affordable childcare across Virginia. VIA opened its first site in January 2026 with a second site planned for Fall 2026.

"VEER is not just one center. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable childcare model for Virginia" - Rev. Jennifer Keeney Scarr, pastor at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren and co-chair of Valley Interfaith Action.

LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE: Elected officials and faith leaders expand public-private childcare partnership

NEWS VIDEO: Valley leaders roll out plan for affordable childcare.